MIG Welding is a popular welding technique which can also be known as GMAW or Gas Metal Arc Welding to some MIG Welders. It was first used during World War Ii for faster production of weapons and other equipment for war. Later on, in the post war period, factories and shops were using it as the economy continued to boom. It has then gone through developments and improvements from then on, and its popularity persists up to now even when other welding types have emerged.

More than a method’s popularity, the essence and art of a type of welding should be appreciated in the advantages it posits. Though, every keen welder also knows how to look for the cons of using a particular process. Understanding both sides of MIG Welding surely determines how best the method should be used and how to assess who are the most skillful MIG Welders.

Why Choose MIG Welders?

One of the most attractive traits of MIG Welding is that it is easy to learn. Any beginner welder can learn this type in a few days or a week at the most. It only needs sufficient practice and a little patience to produce a great weld in MIG Welding, which is really cool for those who are new to welding. Even better than that, some say they learned the method on their own by just following some guidelines to the process.

Another reason why a lot of welders prefer MIG Welders is because it can work on a variety of metal pieces such as stainless, aluminium, and mild steel. With this versatility, having a MIG Welding machine is cost-efficient and takes lesser time to finish a work project. These make the method very appealing to home mechanics, farmers, metal fabricators, and professional motor sports championship teams.

More than that, it provides high productivity to MIG Welders because it cuts the time for changing chips or rods, and for frequently brushing the weld. This is very beneficial as this means that there are lesser repairs to do, less maintenance to oversee, and more work area to utilize for other purposes. Aside from these, the welder can also do his job in different positions needed to create the accurate weld desired with the MIG welding machine.

Adding to these, there are less clean-up to do because the MIG welding process produces less smoke and there are no slags needed to be chipped off.

Why Not To Do MIG Welding?

MIG Welding requires focus and much attention so MIG Welders cannot multitask when doing the process. Further, it requires a big bottle of shielding gas which can be burdensome to some welders.

Some do not also like to utilize MIG welding because it does not work well with rust, dirty surfaces, and paint. Buying consumable parts such as nozzles and tips can also be very costly.

The primary reason, though, why most do not use MIG Welding now, is because it cannot penetrate thick steel. Because of this, TIG welding is more preferred as it offers more versatility than the former one. However, it is important to note that MIG Welders are still around because they are more suited for some projects especially those involving thinner metals.

The Author is a welder and always writes about Tig Welders. To get more information, have a look at Clive’s latest article on Mig welders today.

By Clive Millows

There are many individuals who are still not aware of what an actuator is and where it is used. This article will throw light on some of the major areas where the device is used extensively to meet diverse requirements of the customers.

An actuator is defined as a mechanical device to move or control a mechanism or a system. It requires a source of energy to function. As far as the energy source is concerned, it can be in the form of hydraulic fluid pressure, an electric current, pneumatic pressure, etc. This energy is then changed into some kind of motion.

Let us now come to the uses of the device. As mentioned above, it is used in a number of areas including:

Engineering industry

If we talk about the engineering industry, the device is extensively used for the purpose of introducing motion or to fix an object for preventing motion. In electronic engineering, the devices change an input signal into some kind of motion. Some of the best examples in this regard include pneumatic, hydraulic, comb drive, piezoelectric, electrical motors, linear and amplified piezoelectric actuators, micro-mirror devices, thermal bimorphs and electro-active polymers.

Chemical plants and oil refineries

This is the second important area where the device is used on a large scale. To control the flow of fluids and acidic liquids in oil refineries and chemical plants, an actuator is used. Whether it is plastic, aluminum or stainless steel, the device suits all materials ideally. That is why, it is a preferred choice for oil refineries and chemical plants.

Apart from this, it is also used in other industries including medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive, material handling, biotechnology, food processing, electronics and many other.
The fact that the device is capable enough to carry out difficult and time consuming tasks with ease is responsible for making it worldwide popular.

There are many manufacturers that have been offering the device online these days and that too along with the facility to customize it. Customization facility started by the manufacturers has been benefitting customers to a large extent as they can now avail an actuator as per their project requirements and needs.

It is very important to choose a reliable manufacturer for all your actuator related needs other you would not be satisfied with the quality of the products offered. Also a quality manufacturer provides the device with guarantee for complete customer satisfaction.

Progressive Automations is a leading on-line wholesaler of linear actuators in the Canada, United States and the rest of the world offering electric actuators, dual actuators, lifting columns etc.